Dodgers fans cheered as Blue Jays star George Springer left Game 3 of the World Series mid-at bat in the seventh inning.
Springer had just fouled a pitch during the first at-bat of the inning, but before Justin Wrobleski could throw another pitch, the Jays outfielder stepped out of the batter’s box while holding his side at Dodger Stadium on Monday night.
As Blue Jays fans began holding their breath over Springer’s status, Dodgers fans in the ballpark began cheering about the designated hitter leaving the game with an injury, prompting a reprimand from Joe Davis, who called the game for Fox.
“That should not be applauded under any circumstances, regardless of history,” said Davis, who is also the lead television play-by-play announcer on Dodger broadcasts.
Springer then left the dugout and entered the clubhouse.
Springer is regularly booed by Dodgers fans for being part of the 2017 Astros, which was found to have illegally stolen signs.
The Astos defeated the Dodgers in seven games in that series and the fans in Los Angeles have not forgotten it.
When he was introduced during pregame introductions, Springer was loudly booed by the LA fans.
Teammate Earnie Clement told The Athletic that Springer has done a good job of using the boos as motivation while he’s eating.
“Every time we hear the boos, I’ll be on the top step of the dugout cussing him out and telling him he sucks. And he’ll hit a home run, and he’ll shut everyone up,” Clement said. “So it’s just special to see him, especially on this stage. He keeps doing it again and again.”
Springer was a postseason powerhouse with a .932 OPS with four home runs.
“Great player having a great postseason,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters before the game. “Dodger fans have long memories and that’s what makes them great. I’m just going to manage the game, and I’m not going to be in the stands, so they can do what they think will help the club win.”
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